John Berman Miller

John Berman Miller, age 87, of Morristown, Tennessee, passed away peacefully at his home on December 30, 2025.

John was born on October 11, 1938, in Knoxville, Tennessee, to the late Robert and Maude Miller. It was at Rule High School that he found the love of his life, June Evans Miller-his high school sweetheart and wife of 63 years-who preceded him in death. John often said he was the luckiest man in the world to share his life and build a family with June.

John and June were blessed with three children: Greg, Candy, and Angie. John's career led the family to live in Jacksonville, Florida; Lafayette, Georgia; and Vicksburg, Mississippi, before settling in Morristown in 1975. Upon arriving in Morristown, John served as manager of Liberty National Insurance and later worked at Franklin Federal Bank. His entrepreneurial spirit eventually led him to establish several successful business ventures, including Miller Assurance Group and Miller Casket and Burial Needs. John remained actively involved in Miller Assurance Group until his passing.

He built his businesses on hard work, honesty, and lasting relationships. Known for his integrity and deep commitment to his clients, John was humbled and honored by the trust they placed in him. Though his awards and accolades were numerous, he measured success not by recognition but by the lives he could help and the burdens he could lighten.

John is survived by his two devoted daughters, Candy (Alan) Templin and Angie (Mike) Fishman; his cherished grandchildren, Lucas (Madison) Fishman, Leabeth Fishman, Lydia Fishman, and Isaac Miller Templin; and the apple of his eye, his great-grandson, Callahan Fishman. A large and loving extended family also survives him.

One of the greatest challenges of John's life was the loss of his beloved son, Greg. Through profound grief, he led his family with strength, love, and unwavering devotion, guiding them through tragedy with grace. He was also preceded in death by his precious grandson, John-Alan; his brothers, Herman, Boyd, Lawrence, and David; and his sister, Lela.

John was blessed with a warm personality, quick wit, and an extraordinary ability to form lasting friendships. His bigger-than-life presence and genuine care for others made him a natural in both business and life. A graduate of "the school of hard knocks," he believed that with God-given talents, a strong work ethic, and perseverance, any challenge could be met-with a smile and a joke.

He proudly called himself the "oldest teenager in Morristown" and dedicated his life to bringing joy to others through acts of kindness and a one-of-a-kind charisma. All who knew John can recall one of his favorite sayings, remember him singing in his rich baritone Keep on the Sunny Side, or smile at having received a two-dollar bill, a gold dollar, or a Chick-fil-A biscuit from him.

Even in his later years, John remained actively engaged in his work and in life, finding joy in meaningful conversation, laughter, time with family and friends, and the gospel music he loved. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church.

Pallbearers will be Lucas Fishman, Isaac Templin, Leabeth Fishman, and Lydia Fishman.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church, with the funeral service to follow at 3:00 p.m., officiated by Dr. Dean Haun. Interment will immediately follow the service at Jarnagin Cemetery in Morristown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church. Checks should be made payable to First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1899, Morristown, TN 37816, with "First Baptist Local Mission Fund, in memory of John B. Miller" noted on the subject line.

Arrangements are entrusted to Stetzer-Bales Funeral Home.